Doagh Famine Village is a historic all weather attraction located on the north Inishowen peninsula, in County Donegal. The tour takes visitors on a journey through the history of Ireland, from the devasting famine in the 1840’s through to the present day. It narrates the sometimes difficult story from various different perspectives, it is thought provoking, informative and most of all humorous. It aims to give a balanced view of the political and economic climate in Ireland.
There are life sized attractions, that are all centred around and includes original thatched dwellings that were occupied until 1983 by the owners family, and the tour guide, Pat Doherty. It is a recreation of a village at the time of the Great Potato Famine. There are items of furniture as well as other artefacts from the period, in addition to figures dressed in genuine period costumes.
The guided tours are taken by experienced friendly guides, they are engaging and insightful and impart their knowledge in a fun way. Tours last about forty five minutes. During the tour you will hear the story about a Donegal family and communities constant struggle to survive, facing remoteness, isolations and a reliance on a small plot of land, it was a harsh and difficult place to exist. This did not deter families, as the same families have lived here for generations. Learn how these people adapted and survived. Cleverly illustrating how rural life evolved in Donegal into modern times.
Discover age old traditions and customs such as medicinal cures, the Irish Wake, find out the important role religion had in the country’s history, Orange Hall is an example of an organisation set up in the 18th century where followers of the Established Church could gather in safety without fear from Irish rebels. Learn about Mass Rock and Hedge Schools as well as Presbyterian Meeting Houses. The Republican Safe House played an important role during The Troubles, it offered a place of refuge for those being pursued by the authorities, it also helps to explain the steps taken to reach the historic peace deal. The Travelling Community shines a light on the living conditions of the travellers as well as their rich history and traditions.
In this outdoor museum you are given the true facts of survival without any frills, it is exactly how things were for the local people. However, the stories are told in a humorous way with lots of craic involved. It is informative and touches on many areas of life in rural Donegal and cleverly connects the past to the present.
The Haunted Rooms, are an interactive feature, are you daring enough to enter.
There are multi-lingual leaflets available so you can read all about the Famine Village in your preferred language. There is lots to see, the exhibitions are well laid out and the history is clearly explained.
The Visitor Centre is home to a welcoming cafe where you can enjoy a tasty selection of refreshments, and enjoy the views out over the bay to Five Finger Strand at Malin.
Doagh Famine Villages opens from March until September/October each year. It opens seven days a week from 10.00am to 5.30pm.